Skip to main content

Leaked iPhone 5 case signals ‘radical’ redesign

9to5maciphone5caseone
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The relentless iPhone rumor mill cranked out another opaque morsel late this week with a series of leaked iPhone 5 case designs. (The device could also be called an iPhone 4S, or any other number of things, but we’re going to stick with iPhone 5 for simplicity’s sake.)

The first two leaks come via William Judd at UK site Mobile Fun, who received a CAD “design document” from a Chinese case manufacturer, and a case mock-up photo, both of which show a “radical evolution” of the iPhone design.

This drastic transformation includes a significantly larger screen, possibly 4 inches, up from the current 3.5-inch screen. As we’ve heard in the past, the screen extends across the entire front of the device, with little or no bezel on the sides. The top and bottom of the iPhone 5 still have bezels, though Judd says they have “been significantly reduced in size.”

As reported back in April, (and again in earlier this month) the fifth-generation iPhone will allegedly also feature a thinner, tapered “tear drop” design. This is backed up by the leaks to Mobile Fun. Judd writes that the “curvaceous” new iPhone has a backplate that “curves gently back around its edges, much like the iPhone 3G.”

The next iPhone will reportedly also do away with the physical home button and, according to Judd, replace it with a larger “touch-sensitive ovaloid area which takes up the middle half of the bottom border.” This area could also be used for multi-touch gestures, Judd suggests. The controls on the side of the device have been entirely repositioned, from the left to the right side of the device. Judd says it’s “possible” that the volume and lock buttons have been entirely replaced with touch controls.

All of this was further corroborated late yesterday by an actual leaked case, received by 9to5Mac. It’s not entirely clear that all the specs match up exactly, but they at least appear to, from what we can tell.

As always, this is entirely speculation, since Apple has not, will not, and will never answer questions about un-announced products. As Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac points out, it’s entirely possible (maybe even likely) that these Chinese-made case designs are based upon Apple prototypes — not final products — that reached the Asian manufacturing world, and have no bearing on what Apple will actually release. Regardless, all signs indicate that that release will come in September, so we’ll all just have to wait until then.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
Nomad sale: Up to 85% off cases for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch
Nomad leather case for iPhone.

If you just got yourself a new device from iPhone deals or AirPods deals, your next purchase should be on protection for your smartphone or wireless earbuds. Nomad's cases will not only prevent physical damage, but they will also provide a unique sense of style so that your iPhone or AirPods will stand out anywhere you go. There's an ongoing Nomad Overstock sale with discounts of up to 85% covering cases for the iPhone 14, AirPods 3, and more -- check out everything that's available, and hopefully there's something that will be compatible with your current device.

What to buy in Nomad's Overstock sale
Nomad's Overstock sale includes cases for the iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, and iPhone XS series. For the largest discounts, the Modern Leather Case - Horween for the iPhone 14 Plus is 85% off,

Read more
Best refurbished iPhone deals: Get an iPhone 14 for $507
An iPhone 13 in white color option.

Apple started the whole idea of a smartphone, so it's probably no surprise that it makes some of the best on the market. Of course, they are known for being quite expensive, especially if you want to grab the best iPhones, which will easily run you close to or over $1,000. Luckily, there are some great iPhone deals you can take advantage of, whether unlocked or through a carrier. There are also some other alternatives in the form of refurbished phones. Now, a lot of folks do sometimes shy away from refurbished gear, but it's important to note that many, if not all, refurbished phones come with a guarantee and extended return windows, so you shouldn't worry about getting something defunct. Also, refurbished phones tend to be substantially cheaper than new ones; plus, they do cut down a lot on e-waste, so you are helping the environment.

Either way, we've gone out and found some of the best refurbished iPhone deals out there to save you a little bit extra. We've found a pretty wide range too, so be sure to checkout all the deals available below.
iPhone XR -- from $166
iPhone XR Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Read more
The iPhone 16’s huge redesign has leaked. Here’s what’s new
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple fans might be in for a lukewarm surprise when Apple releases its next wave of iPhones this fall season. Over the past few weeks, numerous outlets — including 91 Mobiles and MacRumors – and independent insiders have shared alleged CAD-based renders of the entire iPhone 16 portfolio.

In 2024, it seems Apple will shower more love on the entry-point models, bestowing them with a slight design refinement on the rear shell. Leaks suggest the camera island on the iPhone 16—and likely its Plus variant as well—will get a pill-shaped makeover. Other changes are reported for the 16 Pro and Pro Max models. There's a lot to cover, so let's dig in.
The iPhone 16's brand-new design
On the current-generation iPhone 15 duo, we get diagonally arranged camera lenses positioned atop a square-ish glass bump. In the upcoming versions, Apple is reportedly replacing it with a vertical pill-like camera island, mirroring the look we first saw on the iPhone X.

Read more